Focus delivers retail ready for success through an integrated approach to mall redevelopment

Focus is a Chicago based real estate developer and general contractor, that by using an integrated model, is uniquely positioned to deliver advantages during the repositioning of a mall or other retail asset.

Through the alignment of priorities and owner’s accountability which occurs when a general contractor is also a developer, Focus can deliver unique advantages to its projects. From internalizing owner considerations like lease-up milestones to schedule and cost efficiencies, the benefits can be seen across project types and are passed along to our third-party clients alike. 

This is especially true when considering major retail or mall renovation projects. In most cases, mall redevelopments involve many different stakeholders. By removing the need to bring in yet another firm to act as general contractor, Focus introduces efficiencies that improve project outcomes at a minimum and in some cases make the project possible. Take for example the variety of benefits delivered through Focus’ general contracting integration on the Hawthorn Mall redevelopment project. 

Owner benefits include increased budget accuracies, smoother mall operations, and tenant build out efficiencies at Hawthorn Mall

One project where the various benefits of Focus’ integrated approach to general contracting are obvious is the redevelopment of Hawthorn Mall. This multi-phase project repositions portions of Hawthorn Mall and repurposes various spaces for different uses including the addition of a new apartment community with ground floor retail which was recently completed. 

Accurate, real time construction budgeting owners can rely on

Beginning with the project’s inception, Focus’ integrated general contractor provided mall owners with valuable real time cost data, design feedback and value engineering. 

In fact, an analysis of conceptual and GMP budget and actual project costs for the first phase of the project, showed the following: 

• Conceptual to GMP budget variance: 2% 
• Variance of actual project costs from the GMP budget: 0.2%

This level of accuracy is invaluable. In the early stages of development, not only does Focus’ integrated general contractor streamline the design and pricing process, but when delivery this level of accuracy, gives owner’s confidence to make critical decisions which impact the overall financial performance of the project. Perhaps more importantly, that accuracy is maintained from conceptual design to the as-built reality. Allowing owners to deliver the financial performance they promised to their partners and investors. 

Thoughtful construction coordination with the owner’s needs at their center

Once the project was underway, Focus’ integrated general contractor also went above and beyond to reduce the impacts of construction on the still operating mall. To do this, they took extra care in developing their logistics and delivery plans which limited road closures and directed construction traffic away from visitor zones. In fact, in the years during construction at Hawthorn Mall, mall traffic and visitor dwell times increased. 

• 2020 to 2021: a significant 20% increase in dwell time, and an increase of overall visitors up 41% over prior year. 
• 2022: dwell time continued to grow by 4%, reaching 76.00 minutes, and visitor traffic was up 9% over the 2021. 

Integrated landlord services for retail success 

Lastly, mall ownership was able to offer tenant build out services during retail lease ups which required no additional coordination. Take for example the build out of the new Sephora along Hawthorn Row, the 3,700 SF of retail was completed in just under 3 months and included façade modifications, new surface finishes, underground plumbing, a new vestibule, entry doors and framing as well as interior drywall, HVAC and electrical rough ins. Due to Focus’ intimate knowledge of the project, teams were able to deliver the project on an expedited schedule, enabling Sephora to be one of the first stores ready to open in the new, A+ retail location.

The unique benefits for retail owners which stem from Focus’ integrated model for development and construction, and their hands on experience repositioning or adding value to retail developments are numerous. From improved access to real time pricing data and enhanced budget accuracies, to thoughtful construction coordination which maintains operations and integrated landlord services to boost leasing, the Focus construction team delivers a better experience overall. 

To learn more about our approach to retail redevelopment, value add or landlord services, or to discuss a project of your own, contact us today.